Animal lovers ask Framingham board save abused Husky

By Danielle Ameden/ Daily News Staff

Animal lovers came before the Framingham Board of Selectmen Tuesday night asking for the board's help in protecting a Husky the dog lovers say has been abused by its owner.

SOURCE: Daily News Staff Photo/Danielle Ameden

Animal lovers ask Framingham board save abused Husky

By Danielle Ameden/ Daily News Staff

Share

Shares

Copy Link

{copyShortcut} to copy
Link copied!

Updated: 8:53 AM EST Jan 14, 2015

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. —

Dog rescuers pleaded with selectmen Tuesday to help save Misty, a neglected Husky whose owner, they say, has kept her chained and outdoors for years, our news partners at the MetroWest Daily News reported.

A neighbor and volunteers with PAWS New England said they’re deeply concerned about the elderly dog being left out all day and night in freezing cold, scorching heat and torrential rain, “year after year after year” in her owner’s Howe Street yard.

Advertisement

And now, Misty appears to be missing, the volunteers said.

Framingham resident and PAWS foster parent Regina Bekebrede said police stepped in and took the dog from its owner last Monday, supported by a recent state Supreme Judicial Court ruling that better protects animals in peril. Bekebrede said that frigid night was clearly an emergency, with Misty's bowl of water and crate both frozen.

“In her condition, she would have not lived another day,” Bekebrede told selectmen.

Volunteers took Misty in for two nights and brought her to the vet and groomer, but they say they haven’t seen the dog in the week since Animal Control released her back to her owner.

The rescuers came to selectmen with signs reading, “Where is Misty” and “Free Misty,” and asked for a full investigation and help giving them custody of the dog until the probe is over.

Bekebrede said the group is concerned the town's Animal Control department hasn’t taken complaints seriously, sometimes taking Misty and then just releasing her back to the owner the next day.

One neighbor said she has grown frustrated after trying to give the dog some care for years, bringing food, treats and a blanket to keep her warm and dry.

Selectmen expressed some concern, and Chairman Charlie Sisitsky asked Town Manager Robert Halpin to talk to animal control officials and the police chief and report back to the board.

“We’ll try to follow up with it and see what’s going on,” Sisitsky told the group.

“I just look at this as neglect,” Selectman Jason Smith said.Bekebrede said the group has involved the MSPCA and Boston Animal Rescue League, and, “they have filed a formal complaint.”

The dog owner was not identified Tuesday, and volunteers and the neighbor said they haven't ever been able to talk to him.

Bekebrede said Framingham Police and Sgt. Michael Esposito have been great about helping with Misty, and officers rushed over last Monday night.